Hello Dr. G and classmates,
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)
The reason I selected Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) as a focus of interest is rooted in my early experiences working in the emergency department. During the beginning of my career, I frequently encountered patients living with SCD, many of whom were experiencing a sickle cell crisis. They sought treatment and relief through IV therapy and pain management. One of the first patients I provided direct care for in the ED had SCD, and the profound pain they endured left a lasting impression on me. This experience deeply affected me, particularly when I noticed the contrasting attitudes that some of my peers held toward patients with SCD. According to Brennan-Cook et al. (2019), caring for patients with SCD in the ED is often challenging and is associated with misconceptions, including negative attitudes and judgments about opioid drug-seeking behavior.
The incidence of SCD in the United States is significant, with 1 in 370 Black or African American births affected, and approximately 1 in every 16,300 Hispanic American births. The total prevalence of SCD is estimated to be around 100,000 individuals in the United States (CDC, 2025).
A relevant article that addresses the care of patients with SCD is “A Pilot Study of Nurse Practitioner’s Perceived Competencies and Attitudes toward Patients Living with Sickle Cell Disease” by Vick et al. This study offers valuable insights into the challenges of treating patients with SCD, specifically during a sickle cell crisis. It highlights the concerns that patients often face when seeking treatment and emphasizes the important role nurse practitioners can play in delivering compassionate and competent care for these individuals.
Reference:
Brennan-Cook, J., Bonnabeau, E., Harris-Bloom, H., & Tanabe, P. (2019). Improving the Care of Individuals with Sickle Cell Disease in the Emergency Department Using a Quality Improvement Framework: The Emergency Department Sickle Cell Assessment of Needs and Strengths (ED-SCANS). Advanced Emergency Nursing Journal, 41(3), 261–270. to an external site.
Vick, L. L., Mitchell, S., Fernandes, P., Tavakoli, A., Samuels, K., & Jenerette, C. (2024). A Pilot Study of Nurse Practitioners’ Perceived Competencies and Attitudes towards Patients Living with Sickle Cell Disease. Journal for Nurse Practitioners, 20(1), 104829-. to an external site.
